Can I Bring My Dog in a Rental RV? The Complete Pet Guide

The Short Answer: Usually Yes, But It'll Cost You

Most RV rental companies and peer-to-peer owners allow pets — this is actually one of RVing's biggest advantages over hotels and air travel. But "pet-friendly" comes with conditions, fees, and responsibilities that vary wildly depending on where you rent.

Here's the real picture so you can plan accordingly.

Where Pets Are Allowed

Peer-to-peer platforms (RVshare, Outdoorsy): Pet policies are set by individual owners. Roughly 50–60% of listings allow pets, though this varies by region and vehicle type. Newer, more expensive rigs tend to be pet-restricted. Older, more road-worn units are more likely to allow animals.

Fleet companies (Cruise America, El Monte): Cruise America allows pets with a $100 cleaning fee per pet. El Monte allows pets with a similar fee structure. Both restrict to dogs and cats — no exotic animals, no rodents, no reptiles. Check the specific company's policy before booking, as these change.

Private/independent owners: Policies vary completely. Some love dogs and encourage them. Others have strict no-pet rules due to allergies, damage concerns, or resale value protection. Always ask explicitly before booking.

What It Actually Costs

The pet fee landscape breaks down like this:

Worst case scenario: A 7-night trip with a $150 pet fee, $25/night surcharge, and $300 refundable deposit = $475 upfront, $175 non-refundable. Factor this into your budget.

Best case scenario: Many P2P owners charge nothing extra for pets. They're dog people. They get it.

Preparing Your Pet for RV Travel

Not every dog (or cat) is cut out for RV travel. Here's what to consider:

Motion sickness is real. Some dogs get carsick, and a moving RV amplifies this. Test with shorter car trips first. If your dog drools excessively, vomits, or seems distressed during car rides, talk to your vet about anti-nausea medication before planning an RV trip.

Anxiety in new spaces. Some dogs are anxious in unfamiliar environments. Bring their bed, their favorite blanket, familiar toys — anything that smells like home. A crate they're already comfortable with provides a safe space in the RV.

Heat is the #1 danger. An RV parked in the sun heats up even faster than a car. Never leave your pet in a parked RV without running the air conditioning — and AC requires shore power or a generator. If you're boondocking (no hookups), you cannot safely leave a pet in the RV during warm weather. Period.

Leash requirements. Every campground requires dogs to be on a leash. Most specify 6 feet maximum. Retractable leashes that extend to 20+ feet don't satisfy this rule at most parks. Bring a standard leash and a tie-out stake for the campsite.

What to Bring for Your Pet

Essentials:

• Food and water bowls (bring their usual food — new food + travel stress = GI problems)
• Leash and collar with ID tags including your cell phone number
• Vaccination records (many campgrounds require proof of rabies vaccination)
• Poop bags — more than you think you need
• Pet first aid kit (ask your vet for recommendations)
• Any medications
• Crate or bed
• Towels for muddy paws (you will need these)

Recommended:

• A portable water bowl for hikes
• Pet-safe insect repellant (ticks are a serious concern at many campgrounds)
• A tie-out cable and stake for the campsite
• LED collar light if you'll be walking at night (campgrounds are dark)
• Enzyme-based cleaner for accidents (Nature's Miracle or similar)

Campground Pet Policies

Not all campgrounds welcome pets, and those that do often have restrictions:

National Parks: Dogs are generally allowed in campgrounds and on paved roads/paths but NOT on most hiking trails, in backcountry areas, or in any park buildings. This is a major limitation — if your primary activity is hiking in national parks, your dog will spend a lot of time at the campsite.

National Forests and BLM Land: Generally more pet-friendly. Dogs are allowed on most trails (leashed in some areas, off-leash in others). This is where dog owners tend to have the best experience.

State Parks: Policies vary by state. Most allow leashed dogs in campgrounds and on trails. Some restrict dogs from swimming beaches.

Private Campgrounds (KOA, Good Sam, etc.): Most allow pets with breed restrictions in some cases. Some KOAs have designated dog parks and pet-friendly amenities. Check the specific location.

Breed restrictions: Some campgrounds and RV parks restrict "aggressive" breeds (pit bulls, rottweilers, German shepherds, etc.). Whether you agree with breed restrictions or not, check before you arrive with a restricted breed and find yourself turned away.

Protecting the RV

The fastest way to lose your security deposit is pet damage. Here's how to prevent it:

Cover the furniture. Bring sheets or furniture covers for anywhere your pet sits. Pet hair embeds in upholstery and is expensive to professionally clean.

Protect the floors. Muddy paw prints on carpet generate cleaning charges. Wipe paws before entering the RV. A small towel by the door becomes habit quickly.

Don't leave your pet unsupervised in the RV. Anxious dogs chew. Bored cats scratch. Either take your pet with you or crate them when you leave. One chewed seat cushion can cost $500+ to replace.

Clean as you go. Vacuum pet hair daily (a small handheld vacuum is worth packing). Wipe down surfaces. The goal is to return the RV in the same condition you received it, pet-wise.

The Walkthrough Matters Even More with Pets

When you pick up the RV, document everything with photos and video — especially upholstery, carpet, and any existing stains or damage. When you return it, do the same. This protects you from being charged for pre-existing conditions that someone might attribute to your pet.

Cats in RVs: A Different Challenge

Cats can travel in RVs, but the logistics are trickier:

Litter box placement is the main challenge. You need a spot that's stable, accessible, and won't create odor issues in a small space. The shower stall or a corner of the bathroom works best. Use a covered litter box to contain mess during travel.

Cats need hiding spots. In an unfamiliar moving space, cats want to hide. Provide a covered bed or partially covered crate where they can retreat.

Window perches. Cats love watching the world go by. A window-mounted bed or clearing a spot on a dinette bench by a window keeps most cats content.

Keep windows and doors controlled. Cats escape. In an RV campground, a lost cat is a serious problem — unfamiliar territory, wildlife, and vehicles. Use screens and be vigilant about the door.

RVing with pets is one of the best ways to travel with animals — no cargo holds, no kennel anxiety, your pet is with you the whole time. The extra planning is worth it. Just respect the RV, respect the campground rules, and bring more poop bags than you think you need.